Vinofiles

Flat Street Pub Wine Tasting Is Smashing Success

When the cold north wind’s ablowin’, and the mercury drops to an inhuman three-dog-night chiller of forty degrees fahrenheit, there’s only one thing you can do: Get together with all your friends and neighbors down at the local pub, and have a wine tasting. You heard me right. Forget the barn raising. Nix to the quilting bee. Time for a fine pinot noir, paired with a cracker laden with foie gras, or some runny, stinky cheese that could double as radiator fixer. Or a brash but beautiful Bandol, paired with a pickled pig’s knuckle. Mmmm! Them’s good eatin! And the music, provided by the talented local trio known as Paradiso, playing guitar, violin, and clarinet, to various tunes with a South American inspiration. All in all, a great time was had by all in all. Participants were able to take advantage of special one-night deals on wine, offered at very smiley prices. We’re hoping to host another tasting in the spring, perhaps with an Italian theme, or maybe a festival of fiddleheads and fine wine. Either way, watch the newsletter, or keep a weather-eye out for posters in the wine department. Or watch this blog for continuing contrarian commentary and news of the imminent. Pray for snow, if you must, and please say a hearty thank-you to the fine folks at G. Housen of Vermont (and New Hampshire, too) , for helping put on this lollapalooza of a tasting. Thanks to all who came to enjoy the evening and support the Co-op. A special hurrah to Carol-Grumbine Hall for the delicious fare, Co-op cheeses, and gorgeous decorations. Lastly, a big thanks to the fine staff at Flat Street for their professional demeanor and hard work. Together, you all made it a night to remember.

Sure, It’s Cold, but We’re Hot

November lingered like the sweet scent of wisteria after an autumn rainstorm, hanging on the breeze, before the last storm blew it all away. We had our hot days, (relative to the season), and even our own hot nights, until the metal-grey blasts of December kicked down our door, showed us the badge, and said, “Parties’ over, pal.” And so we piled up more firewood, or called the oil company, lit up the crockpot to make a gallon of chili, and admitted that winter was here, and what kept you? Long dark days need a special kind of perspective, to keep it real, and keep us smiling. You visit friends, enjoy the Tamworth piggy and lamb they graciously set out, and dust off the wines you have set aside for “the right moment.” Maybe your wines aren’t dusty, but I bet they’re good. Especially if they come from the current crop of new arrivals, such as...

There’s a story, told in many languages and cultures, about this foxy fellow, the shapeshifter, the trickster, who sometimes is known as Reynard, or Rounard, or whatever fits. This agile, furry friend pops up, stealing hearts and minds, in a kind of thievish ballet, and leaves behind, in his/her wake, a bottle of wine in exchange for the fat hen he/she’s plumped off with. A tasty legend, but here’s the down-to-earth skinny. The wine is named Renard 2003 Syrah, and it hails from California, by way of Sonoma. Not your average red-tailed rogue, but smooth, with big teeth that get smaller with a little airtime. We enjoyed it with a scrambled egg/onion/garlic/sausage combo, and it was delightful. This red is no overblown, too-plump-to-stand-up confection. The wine is lean, but not sere, or arid, like some too-dry French Syrahs. Look for it on Friday, the 8th. It’s $16.99, save $2.00, and well worth the one-to-two-hour wait for it to open up and give you a high-five.

Next up, a Pinot Noir from Napa, and it’s a pleasure to be adding it to our shelves. You’re probably familiar with Aquinas Cabernet, a ‘Best Buy’ if there ever was one. Now we have a sumptuous red that makes a pretty big splash for $9.99, save $4.00. The 2005 Aquinas Pinot Noir is slow to open, but once it does, you find a silky, strawberry/raspberry/herbal bouquet that is quite beguiling. Napa doesn’t seem to be the ideal environment for the noble Pinot grape, but those wizards at Aquinas manage to find the rabbit every time. Show me a better California Pinot for $9.99, and I’ll buy it; but until then...Arriving Friday, the 8th.

For the most part part, I’m usually a chardonnay-avoider, unless someone cries out, “I’m special!” or “Don’t be so elitist!” or “ Care for some $200 dollar Montrachet?” Our next entry won’t set you back too far, and is a very well made wine that someone bought too much of and needs to now make it go away. Good for us, because the 2003 Echelon Chardonnay is just what the chardonnay doctor ordered. Light on the oak, bright fruit, with a twist of crisp lemon and a mildly nutty finish. I am buying twenty cases, and when it’s gone. it’s gone. Trouble is, the price is not yet settled! I’m hoping to let it go for $5.99. Hopefully, I won’t have to print a retraction. Look for it on Friday, the 8th.

Lastly, also arriving on Friday, the 8th, is a wonderful blend from Hedges Vineyards, called CSM. (No relation to the TV show.) If you’ve ever been graced with the powerhouse ‘Red Mountain’ Cabernet blend, at $24.99, no shrinking violet, then you will see the pedigree, only writ a bit smaller. It’s Cabernet, Merlot, and a smidgen of Syrah. The nose is flowery and quite pretty, with a base of cocoa/mocha. It’s soft, but not flabby, and would grace a plate of fries and a Portabello “burger” quite nicely. If you’re a closet Merlot fan, (Curse you! Paul Giamatti!), then hold your head high. This one’s for you. $11.99, save  $1.

Don’t forget!

The wine tasting at the Flat St. Pub, downstairs, on Friday the 15th, from  5:30-8:00, looms ever closer. Great wine, really great food, and convivial company, not to mention doorprizes, await you for $15 per person. Get your tickets QUICK! at the Co-op wine department, or at the Customer Service Desk if I am not in the building. Cash or checks, only. Tickets are $20 at the door, on the night of the tasting. See you there.